After all, their humans enjoy watching TV with them, playing with them in the yard, or even taking them along on vacations.

With all that excitement going on, it might be a good idea to take them to church, too.

McDonough First United Methodist Church, at 151 Macon St., will host its first-ever Blessing of the Animals May 14 at 10 a.m.

J.B. Bass, chair of the evangelism committee at the church, is spearheading the event. She said her love of animals, and the positive results of similar events over the years, led her to bring the concept to leaders at her church.

Bass said the occasion provides a way to reach out to area residents, and their pets.

“It’s a great service,” said Bass. “The churches I belonged to, growing up, always had a Blessing of the Animals. We’re all God’s creatures, whether we’re two-legged or four-legged or any other combination – any creature with paws, tails, fins, fur or scales. We always consider pets as family members. We want them to receive God’s blessings just like we do.”
Bass said animals of all kinds are invited to receive a blessing at the event.

“The only thing I ask is that pets need to be on a leash or in a carrier or cage,” she said. “We also have a couple members who have horses, and they may be bringing their horses in a trailer. People are also welcome to bring large animals such as horses, llamas, ostriches, or sheep. All of God’s creatures are welcome.”

Bass said the animal-blessing festivities will enable the public to learn more about what the church has to offer.

“We want to reach out to the community,” said Bass. “We invite everyone to come. You might like what you see. The other things we do at our church might be of interest to you. We welcome all who would like to come, particularly those who might not have a church or are looking for a church home. Not only will the animals receive a blessing, but everyone in attendance will receive a blessing.”

Bass acknowledged that outdoor events can potentially be affected by inclement weather. Still, she remained undaunted in her quest to bless animals in attendance. “In the event of rain, the animals will get washed,” she said with a hearty laugh. “We’ll have a baptism right there. We have a little overhang in the courtyard, and we will make do. We will work with whatever weather God provides.”

The Rev. Carol Cook, pastor at the church, will be among the animal lovers in attendance at the free inaugural event. Cook, a lifelong animal lover, recently lost her 16-year-old cat, Ella, but plans to bring her seven-year-old cat, Scooter, and her four-year-old terrier-mix dog, Daisy, to the event.

“I am an animal lover, and my animals are very special to me,” said Cook. “I always wanted to do the service, but I never had the opportunity. I was really excited that J.B. brought the idea up.”

Cook said the blessing will allow her “reach out to the community and share in the love that people have for their pets.”
“I will come to each individual pet and bless them in the name of God,” she said. “If they can’t get out of the car, I will come to the car and bless them.”

A time of fellowship will follow the animal blessing. For more information, call the church at 770-957-4150.